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Traditional Uses
In history, Mucuna Pruriens has been used as an aphrodisiac (hence the species name, pruriens , i.e., prurience/prurient).
It is still used to increase libido in both men and women due to its dopamine inducing properties.
A constituent of mucuna pruriens, Dopamine, has a profound influence on sexual function.
Current uses
Mucuna Pruriens has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for diseases including Parkinson's Disease
It contains L-dopa which converts into dopamine, an important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and movement
It is being included in herbal supplement formulas for increasing sexual libido
Research
Studies in rats show mucuna pruriens supplements influence dopamine content in the cortex of the brain.
Researchers in Western countries are now looking seriously at the potential benefits of mucuna pruriens herb in humans for a number of conditions including Parkinson's disease, fertility, and sexual enhancement.
Precautions and side effects (refer also to statements below)
The hairs lining the seed pods contain 5-hydroxytryptamine ( serotonin ) which causes severe itching . (Mucuna pruriens is a common ingredient in itching powder)